World Youth Day 2027

World Youth Day 2027
DateAugust 3-8, 2027[1]
LocationSeoul, South Korea
Coordinates37°34′N 126°59′E / 37.567°N 126.983°E / 37.567; 126.983
TypeYouth festival
ThemeTake Courage, I have overcome the world (Jn 16:33)
Organised byCatholic Church
ParticipantsPope Leo XIV
Previous2023 Lisbon
Websitewydseoul.org/en

World Youth Day 2027 (Korean: 2027 세계 청년의 날) will be a Catholic festival taking place in Seoul, South Korea from August 3-8, 2027.[1] It was announced by Pope Francis at the end of the closing Mass of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.[2] Following his death in 2025, Pope Leo XIV will lead the event, making it the first World Youth Day under his papacy. It will also be the first World Youth Day to take place in Asia since Manila in 1995, as well as the first to ever be held in a Christian-minority country.[3]

Theme

At a press conference on 24 September 2024, the Holy See announced the theme for the event: "Take courage! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).[4] The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. Cardinal Farrell, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee and Gabriela Su-Ji Kim, a young Korean leader, spoke about the spiritual preparations for the event, its significance for young people globally, and its connection to Korean culture. The theme, taken from the Gospel of John, encourages young people to face challenges with courage and hope.

The handover of the World Youth Day Cross and the icon of Mary from Lisbon to Seoul took place during the Solemnity of Christ the King on 24 November 2024, marking the beginning of the Korean Church's preparations for the event.

WYD Seoul 2027 is planned as a gathering of young people from around the world for a pilgrimage focused on faith, dialogue and celebration in the Far East.

The logo for the 2027 World Youth Day was unveiled on September 24, 2024.[5] It was designed by Jin Su-hyeon, a 26-year-old researcher at the Hongik University Environmental Art Research Institute.[6] The logo features a cross and the Korean character Ieung, which is placed at the center of the cross. The color palette consists of red, blue, and black.

The cross is formed by two brush strokes — one red and one blue. The red stroke symbolizes "blood-stained martyrdom", while the blue stroke represents "the energy of youth". At the center of the cross, the circular figure ieung envisions the glory of Jesus' victory, reflecting the theme of this edition of World Youth Day. The black color in the palette signifies the mysterious future awaiting the youth.

The word "Seoul" in the logo is written in Hangul calligraphy but is creatively formed using the letters 'W', 'Y', and 'D', symbolizing the unity of youth from around the world who will gather in Seoul.[7]

The brush strokes in the logo were inspired by the painting Inwang jesaekdo by the late Joseon-era artist Jeong Seon (also known as Gyeomjae). This painting depicts the view of Inwang Mountain in Seoul after the rain.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Aspire to great things! Pope's homily and pics as Youth Jubilee ends". Aletia, Antoine Mekary. August 3, 2025. Retrieved August 3, 2025.
  2. ^ "Pope Francis: 'Next World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea'". Vatican News, Edoardo Giribaldi. August 6, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  3. ^ "WYD 2027 in South Korea to focus on courage, interreligious dialogue". United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Justin McLellan. September 24, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  4. ^ "Themes of the 40th and 41st World Youth Days, 24.09.2024". September 24, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  5. ^ "Towards Seoul 2027: announcing the themes for the 40th and 41st WYD and the official logo". Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. September 24, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  6. ^ "The Pope also recognized the youth's mutual prosperity and harmony in oriental symbols". Catholic Peace Newspaper, Park Ye-Sul. December 24, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  7. ^ "Behind the logo for WYD Seoul 2027". Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. November 17, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
  8. ^ "Logo". WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
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